News

SATURDAY MARCH 9th 2013

Just arrived: NEW MAPLE LEAF TARTAN FLAGS.

Our beautiful new Maple Leaf flags have arrived just in time for TARTAN DAY on April 6th. We created this unique flag in consultation with the Clans and Scottish Societies of Canada (CASSOC) and with the permission of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The Government of Canada has declared the Maple Leaf tartan as the official tartan of Canada and April 6th each year was designated as Tartan Day. To celebrate the occasion we have designed and produced a new flag that incorporates the Maple Leaf tartan and the Canadian Maple Leaf. This new flag is made in Canada to Government flag standards and is suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

The new Maple Leaf flag is also appropriate for:

clan gatherings

highland games

special celebrations such as Robbie Burn's birthday or St. Andrew's Day

family reunions

Celtic concerts

homes or cottages

promotional events such as a whisky tasting or golf tournament

businesses

boats

any event or celebration where a wee bit of Scottish ambiance is required.

Please help to celebrate Tartan Day by raising your Maple Leaf tartan flag on April 6th, 2013.

Government of Canada Makes Maple Leaf Tartan an Official Symbol of Canada

OTTAWA, March 9, 2011 - It's official! Canada's Maple Leaf Tartan, which has been our unofficial national tartan for many years, has now become an official symbol of Canada.

"The Maple Leaf Tartan has been worn proudly and enjoyed by Canadians for decades, but has never been elevated to the level of an official symbol–until now," said the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

"Our national symbols express our identity and define our history. The Maple Leaf Tartan represents the contributions that the more than four million Canadians of Scottish heritage continue to make to our country," added Minister Moore.

The Maple Leaf Tartan was created in 1964 by David Weiser in anticipation of the 100th anniversary of Confederation in 1967.

"The tartan is one of the most visual expressions of Scottish heritage and culture," said the Honourable John Wallace, Senator (New Brunswick). "Making the Maple Leaf Tartan an official symbol of Canada highlights the many significant contributions that people of Scottish heritage have made to the founding of Canada."

The Second Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Pipes and Drums has adopted the Maple Leaf Tartan, and National Defence Headquarters has approved it for issue for Canadian Forces pipers and drummers who do not have a specific regimental affiliation. It was also featured in costumes worn last year during the closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics.

On October 21, 2010, the Government of Canada announced that April 6 will be formally recognized as Tartan Day. This April 6, Canadians across the country will be able to celebrate this day with a new official symbol of Canada.

As an official symbol of Canada, the Maple Leaf Tartan joins Canada's most significant emblems, such as the Coat of Arms and the National Flag of Canada.

OTTAWA, October 21, 2010 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, announced today that the Government of Canada will now officially recognize April 6 as Tartan Day.

"A tartan represents a clan, a family, and a community, and is an enduring symbol of Scotland that is cherished by Canadians of Scottish ancestry," said Minister Moore. "Many Canadian provinces and other countries already celebrate Tartan Day. As well, through Tartan Day, Canadians will have an opportunity to learn more about the various cultures that comprise Canadian society."

Tartan Day originated in the late 1980s in Nova Scotia, where it was declared an official day by the provincial government. It then spread across the country, with many provinces joining in. This marks the first time the Day has been recognized by the federal government.

"By officially recognizing this Day, we encourage Canadians all across the country to celebrate the contributions that over four million Canadians of Scottish heritage continue to make to the foundation of our country," said Senator John Wallace, who recently introduced a bill in the Senate in support of nationally declaring Tartan Day.

In Canada, Tartan Day is celebrated on April 6, the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish declaration of independence. Tartan Day celebrations typically include parades of pipe bands, Highland dancing and sports, and other Scottish-themed events.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Jean-Luc Benoît
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788